The hits keep coming for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Just when head coach Chauncey Billups got his full rotation back with the returns of center Deandre Ayton and guards Anfernee Simons and Malcolm Brogdon, another member of his backcourt went down as Shaedon Sharpe exited a win over the Phoenix Suns after only eight minutes.
Sharpe was questionable heading into the Phoenix matchup before the Blazers decided to pull him early and play it safe. Will he return tonight for Portland's home contest against the Washington Wizards?
Is Shaedon Sharpe playing for the Blazers tonight?
Billups with be another starter short again against the Wizards as Sharpe is listed as out with right adductor soreness. It should be a nice break for the 20-year-old, though, who ripped off a streak of five consecutive 20-plus-point games before slowing down dramatically across his last four.
Malcolm Brogdon will likely slot in next to Simons in the starting backcourt. He and Scoot Henderson may see an uptick in minutes with Sharpe out.
Full injury report for Trail Blazers vs. Wizards
Even with Shaedon missing tonight's game, Portland is just about as healthy as it has been all season. Playing against one of the league's worst teams at home should be a bit of a tonic.
The full injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Portland Trail Blazers:
Out: Shaedon Sharpe (groin); Robert Williams III (knee)
Washington Wizards
Out: Johnny Davis (calf); Landry Shamet (ribs); Delon Wright (knee)